CD Spotlight: Comedian John Caparulo's "Come Inside Me"

Comedian John Caparulo's recently released CD/DVD combo Come Inside Me (Jack/Warner Bros./Loud Mouth Records) features relatable stories about marriage, pets, and, of course, sex. Caparulo also laments the recurring landscape of the city of Charlotte, which always seems to be a stop on his tours, even though it may not be strategically located. Recorded at The South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Come Inside Me is 70 minutes of honest and often hilarious stand-up from John Caparulo. The DVD features an extended behind the scenes interview with Caparulo centering around the bits included in his routine.

Track listing:
CD:
1. Throwing Heat
2. To Charlotte & Beyond
3. Married . . . With Canines
4. Sports & Crackers
5. Packing Thunder
6. Come Inside Me
7. Matrimonial Generation Gap
8. Spooky Over Sodomy
9. Taking A Dive

About John Caparulo: Cap (as his friends call him) has made multiple appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and has been featured in several Comedy Central Presents specials. In 2008, he starred in his first feature film, Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show. Most currently, in addition to touring nationwide, Cap is a regular on his friend Chelsea Handler’s hit show on E! Chelsea Lately.

Singer-Songwriter Sheila Swift To Release Her Much Anticipated EP "The Striving Is Over"

Photo and information courtesy of Miles High Productions.

"The Striving is Over" is now available on iTunes

August 13, 2013 (Los Angeles, CA): Six years after her highly praised album, "The Shape of Things," the release of two singles, and a recent 5-week tour in Europe, Sheila Swift is ready to release her much anticipated EP, "The Striving is Over." In this new EP, Sheila proves that she is not just a one trick pony coming from "Daisy", but a well-rounded, all natural musical artist.

 

"The Striving is Over" is Sheila Swift's most personal album yet. The EP presents three original tracks by Swift, written throughout her life, that have been long waiting to be released. The musically talented songwriter uncovers herself in this album, presenting songs inspired during personal life experiences. In her EP, each track delivers its own uplifting positive message.

 

The songs on the album cover themes such as tension in marital life, letting go of the past and moving forward, while remembering the good things in life and reconnecting to one's own roots. Sheila Swift proves her artistic creativity by adding a natural flow in the order of tracks in "The Striving is Over." Track after track, the three song EP tells a story. From the first track to the last, the emotional and powerful lyrics that Sheila's vocals give life to depict defining moments for her.

 

In "Stay," the beautiful, acoustic guitar solos build while harmonizing with Swift's powerful vocals. There is no doubt her southern roots are portrayed in this EP. Swift intertwines a touch of arousing country with rock into the other tracks, "Let Go" and "Home." It is in both of those tracks where Swift releases positive and inspiring messages to her listeners. Lyrics such as "you got to let it go," encourages moving forward in life. In addition, Sheila depicts fond memories of the south in "Home," a reminiscence of her life growing up in the south, with "take me home." Each track, with its very own personal touch and artistic expression, portrays Sheila's love for music and life.

 

Following "The Striving is Over", Sheila Swift has more musical endeavors up her sleeve with a vinyl album release scheduled by the end of the year.

 

Sheila Swift has evolved into a fully-fledged rock singer, largely leaving behind the pop-rock leanings of her previous work in favor of a more pure rock sound which shines through on the new material. Sheila played at the South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas, as well as a showcase at House of Blues Houston and has finished a 5 week European tour in Germany and the Netherlands, with guitarist Ben Jarrad, where ecstatic fans described her as a mix of Gwen Stefani and Neil Young. A multi-talented artist, Sheila also incorporates her passion for the arts in her music.

CD Spotlight: "Worth It All" by Meredith Andrews

Wilson, North Carolina native Meredith Andrews recently released her third CD, Worth It All (Word), featuring 11 songs of faith and worship. Additional details are listed below.


Word Worship’s passionate and powerful vocalist, Meredith Andrews’ third studio album, Worth It All, was released on January 22, 2013, and is now available to order at www.meredithandrews.com. Produced by Paul Mabury, Worth It All is a collection of 11 original tracks all (but one) written or co-written by Andrews. Through the new album, Andrews seeks to remind people of the meaning and value of “worth” and what is of greatest “worth” to them. 

With her Word Worship’s debut release in 2008, Meredith Andrews’ insightful songs and engaging voice awarded her recognition as Billboard Magazine’s “Most Promising New Artist.” In 2011, she picked up two Dove Awards for “Worship Song of the Year” and “Praise and Worship Album of the Year," quickly distinguishing her as one of the preeminent worship leaders and songwriters in the Christian music community. With the success of her debut album and her sophomore release in 2010, As Long As It Takes, she was afforded the opportunity to tour with acclaimed CCM artists Natalie Grant Brandon Heath, Bebo Norman and Michael W. Smith. 

Meredith began singing in church when she was only six years old, and by the time she was in high school, she was writing songs and leading worship. For more information on Meredith Andrews please visit www.meredithandrews.com.

Emerging Artists Spotlight: Luke Potter and Roxanna

Photos and information courtesy of Miles High Productions

Luke Potter made his U.S. debut release with an exclusive three-track EP produced by Bleu (Demi Lovato, Hanson, Jonas Brothers) titled “One Day,” on January 14. “One Day” will be available on NoiseTrade.com, a music based website that allows users to download the EP for FREE. “One Day” aims to gain the attention of pop music fans who are seeking more emotional and honest heartfelt songs. These catchy and melodic tunes from Luke’s latest release are easy for the young generation to relate to.

“One Day," the title track and lead-off single, incorporates Luke’s influences for pop and rock, describing what it is like ‘starting over...’ The message in this song is about coming to terms with mistakes and learning from them so that one can get on with their life. The tone in his voice is all but pleading, “You don’t wanna know the lies that I’ve told, but I’ve paid for my mistakes now I’m on my way to brighter days...”

The track, “Chance Worth Taking,” showcases Luke’s more mature and personal side. It’s sure to grab the attention of any young listener by empathizing with its sentimental lyrics.

To cap-off the eclectic mix of songs, “Breathe In” ends with an upbeat ode showing another facet of Luke’s talent – a promising songwriter who, as Bleu describes, “Luke writes ear-sticking songs that just won't leave your brain!”

Not only is there an EP release, but Luke is also releasing the video to the track “Chance Worth Taking,” on January 16. This performance video provides an intimate look into the song as Luke serenades and mesmerizes any viewer with his acoustic performance.

A singer-songwriter at heart with an acoustic guitar always at hand, Luke spoils us with a hard-hitting electric guitar solo by the end of “One Day." This EP is the perfect coming-of-age and inspiring album for what’s to come from a full-length release. For more information on Luke Potter, please visit his official website: www.lukepottermusic.com

Roxana's new single, “Unforgotten,” takes you on a personal journey of an empathetic story. Joining forces with producer Mark Portmann, known for working with Michael Buble and Barbara Streisand, Roxanna has produced a polished and luxurious rich sound. Her upcoming album release will provide a seamless, mastered mix of adult contemporary, classic pop, world, and a taste of flamenco. This song is universal and anyone that has experienced heartbreak will be able to identify with the message.

Roxanna has always had a love for music. Growing up in Canada, she idolized Madonna, Celine Dion, Julio Iglesias, and Olivia Newton John. Not only did the musicians open up Roxanna to a new world of music, but was also how Roxanna was introduced to the English language. Before entering into the music industry, she would use music’s influence in her nursing profession to heal her patients.

Spain and the country’s music found its way into Roxanna’s heart as well, and it has inspired how she wants to convey her creativity. Due to her love for Spanish culture, she has decided to release an alternate Spanish version of the single “Unforgotten” titled “Para Siempre.” Both versions of the song can be found on upcoming album Exotica, due out late spring. For more information on Roxanna, please visit her official website:www.roxannamusic.com

CD Spotlight: Sunday Lane "From Where You Are"

Photo and information courtesy of LaFamos

Sunday Lane is not your typical singer/songwriter who left Middle America for the City of Angels. A classically trained pianist, she writes articulate lyrics about social injustices in our society, young love, and growing up. Her soulful approach to songwriting expresses the depth of her musicianship.

“I am most in my element when my hands are on the keys,” says the 22-year-old Tulsa native. After receiving tons of critical acclaim in her home state, Sunday Lane decided to pursue the only career path that made sense… music. She recently attended the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Sunday has been playing some of the most sought after venues in Los Angeles and winning over new fans nationwide. More recently, two of her songs were featured on the CW TV show One Tree Hill.

Her debut EP, Bring Me Sunshine, displays her ability to write relatable songs with idiosyncratic phrases. Her first full-length album, From Where You Are, proves the multi-talented singer needs no musical decorations or distractions to create a nationwide buzz. With music videos for her songs “Won’t Go Back Down” and "Reckless One" and both her album and EP available on iTunes, sunshine is definitely in Sunday Lane’s future.

Visit her online at:  www.SundayLane.com

CD Spotlight: "Only A Mountain" by Jason Castro

Former American Idol contestant Jason Castro's new album, Only A Mountain (Word), dropped yesterday. The album is a follow-up to the five song EP, Starting Line, that Castro released last summer. The eleven selections featured on the new release focus on the themes of faith, love and relationships and possess a mostly positive vibe. For instance, "Starting Line" speaks of taking a fresh look around at the people in your life because someone special may be waiting for you. The selection also talks about starting over and moving beyond the past. A troubled relationship is at the center of "If It's Love," as Castro relates that love is worth fighting for and should not be allowed to die because of pride or for being stubborn. Sometimes both people need to sacrifice in order to work things out. 

The subject of love is, not surprisingly, also addressed on "Good Love," an upbeat, feel good song about a strong relationship. Love is also the guiding force behind the duet "Same Kind of Broken," featuring Moriah Peters. This key track speaks about looking past your differences to find common ground, which can lead to compromise, while also conveying the message that we all have problems and we all need to be loved. Another solid effort, "Enough," encourages listeners to build a sense of importance in children, celebrate their differences and show them love.

Jason Castro's faith is exhibited on the title track and on "I Believe." The former speaks of remaining positive during tough times and moving past problems or potential obstacles with the help of faith and a higher power. The latter addresses a guiding force that helps you through the tough times, as long as you keep the faith. Faith is also addressed on "Stay This Way," which encourages listeners to move on from the past and make necessary changes to improve one's life. Castro's enthusiasm convinced me that he believes in the subjects that he is singing about and if he ever decides to switch careers, he may want to consider becoming a motivational speaker. 

PopCultureGuy's 2012 Entertainers of the Year: Number 1 - Heart

Photo Credit: Sony Legacy/Miles High

Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, along with their band Heart, had a banner year in 2012. They released their first ever box set, Strange Euphoria, as well as a new CD, Fanatic, and a memoir, Kicking & Dreaming. Heart also received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, were chosen for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, and the band also toured throughout most of the year. Ann and Nancy also made numerous appearances on various talk shows and news programs. In addition, Ann sang the National Anthem at the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving day game and the sisters wowed the crowd at the Kennedy Center Honors with their "Stairway to Heaven" tribute to Led Zeppelin.

2012 has been an amazing year for the Wilson sisters, who started Heart more than 35 years ago and just now seem to be receiving long overdue recognition. They are clearly dedicated musicians whose drive and talent has stood the test of time. The recent accolades that they have received are a reminder of their significant contributions to the music industry and they clearly have much more to give. Anyone who attended a recent Heart concert can attest to the power of Ann's voice and Nancy's amazing guitar playing skills, as well as her boundless energy. I am not sure if Heart can ever top what they achieved in 2012, but I would not bet against them.

Holiday Gift Ideas from Miles High Productions: Heart's "Fanatic" & "Strange Euphoria" and the "Dirty Dancing" Soundtrack

The three music related options listed below are some of my favorites from 2012. Click on the title of each item to read my review.

Rock legends Ann and Nancy Wilson return to form with their latest CD Fanatic. (Sony/Legacy)

For the music/movie fan on your list. Dirty Dancing: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition. Be prepared to be transported back to 1987. (RCA/Legacy)

Strange Euphoria is a career spanning retrospective box set from Ann and Nancy Wilson and the ultimate gift for the Heart fan on your list. (Sony Legacy)

Recent Holiday Releases from Bunny Sigler and Margo Rey

Photos and information courtesy of Miles High Productions

R&B legend Bunny Sigler continues to share songs that prove his passion for music goes well beyond his beloved soul songs with his new twelve song holiday release When You’re In Love At Christmas Time. Sigler masterfully brings his smooth, powerhouse vocals to Christmas classics such as “White Christmas," “Little Drummer Boy,” "O Holy Night," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "The Christmas Song," "Winter Wonderland," "Ave Maria," "Auld Lang Syne," "O Come All Ye Faithful" and a few festive originals; "Merry Christmas Happy Holidays," "A Christmas Dream" and the title track. 

For more Christmas cheer, adult contemporary artist Margo Rey has released her holiday EP, This Holiday Night, with her original single, of the same name, already gaining recognition from the Billboard charts. Two additional tracks, "Toyland" and "Silent Night," round out this effort. Margo Rey is currently on tour with Dave Koz through December 23. 

Holiday CD Spotlight: "A Winter Gathering" by Shauna Burns

This entry was originally published on November 4, 2011

Singer/songwriter Shauna Burns puts her own unique spin on several classic holiday songs, as well as a few new offerings, on her recently released CD A Winter Gathering. The twelve selections featured on this latest effort from the Indie talent are broken into three "songscapes," beginning with "Winter Star," which is followed by "Luma" and concludes with "The Gathering." The holiday favorites sandwiched in between include "Carol of the Bells," "The First Noel" and "Silent Night."

Like her 2008 effort, The Moon and the Fire Circle, Burns takes listeners on an almost mystical journey, complete with atmospheric Celtic influences that accentuate several traditional holiday favorites. From the piano driven "Carol of the Bells" to the fast paced and lyrically different "The First Noel," Burns makes the standards sound fresh and alive. One of the strongest selections, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," features a unique and interesting vocalization that reminded me of singer Kate Bush.

Shauna Burns possesses a vocal talent that exhibits a gentle strength, which is appropriate for the traditional holiday offerings highlighted on A Winter Gathering. While the arrangement for "White Christmas" is not necessarily different from what I am used to hearing, Burns delivers an exceptional vocal performance and the selection is my favorite of the dozen songs included here. A Winter Gathering concludes with instrumental versions of "Carol of Bells" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," which allows listeners to ease out of the journey that they have just experienced on this solid, atmospheric effort.

CD Spotlight: Francesca Battistelli's "Christmas"

Francesca Battistelli recently released her first solo holiday album, Christmas, on Fervent Records. The eleven selections feature a mix of classic Christmas songs and a few originals, including "Joy to the World" and "Christmas Dreams," respectively. Listeners do not have to wait long to hear the best selection, "The Christmas Song," which kicks things off. Battistelli delivers an upbeat, contemporary performance of the classic that sets the mood for the duration. The singer exudes positive energy and vibes on many selections and her faith is also apparent on the original songs "Heaven Everywhere" and "You're Here."

"Go Tell it on the Mountain" and the aforementioned "Joy to the World" are fast paced and spiritual and other classics, including "Marshmallow World," are filled with infectious joy. Another Christmas standard, "What Child Is This?," combines elements of "The First Noel" in the arrangement, making for an interesting selection. I enjoyed listening to all of the original songs, perhaps because of their consistently positive message. The best of the originals is the relatable "Christmas Dreams," which speaks of the anticipation for Christmas morning, regardless of your age.The holidays are fast approaching and Francesca Battistelli encourages listeners to get into the spirit early with her first solo holiday effort, Christmas, which will surely not be her last.

CD Spotlight: Margo Rey's "Habit"

Photo Credit: Miles High Productions

Press Release - Organica Music Group is pleased to announce the release of Margo Rey’s highly anticipated CD, Habit. The album features Margo’s new Top 20 charting single “Between Us,” as well as her recent hit song “Let the Rain.” The latter, co-written by Ms. Rey and the legendary John Oates, remained on the charts for an astonishing 21 weeks, making it Billboard’s “Hot Shot Debut” and additionally earning her kudos in the magazine’s “Bubbling Under” column. The duo also teamed up on the stunning cut “Saturn Returns.” Oates sings on both tracks and he provides an ideal complement to Rey’s powerful yet nuanced vocals. Listeners closest to it claim that Habit is its own brand of sonic luxury and Rey emerges as a force of nature — in heels no less.

In addition, Margo is preparing for her upcoming national holiday tour with Dave Koz, which is certain to please her diverse and loyal fan base. Based on her track record, Rey’s following is understandable. In less than a two-year span she has delivered five hits in diverse genres that include Adult Contemporary as well as Dance and Pop. She also charted two #1 Dance hits and if that’s not enough, Rey also generated an original Christmas hit.

The Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour, which kicks off on November 23, will be a high-energy tour featuring not only Margo Rey, but David Benoit, Javier Colon and Shelia E. Koz comments, “It never ceases to blow me away, how much people love holiday songs — as evidenced by our 15th anniversary of this tour! This year especially, we’ll try to fit in as many favorites as possible and add our own unique touches along the way.”

Reflecting on the direction of Habit Margo explains: “I wanted something ‘lo-fi’ as opposed to the cloned sounds of today’s pop culture environment. I needed my music to sound like me rather than the equipment it was recorded on. Plus, I feel a huge affinity — love affair even — for the singer/songwriter era of the seventies and eighties.” Ms. Rey employed a technique as simple as it is novel in today’s recording environment. She gathered extraordinary musicians in a room and they recorded (equally extraordinary) music together. If that doesn’t sound radical, it should — and Habit underscores the point. It’s a CD that never leaves the human vibe behind. It revels in it and, if anything, deepens it.

Margo has produced a collection of songs that reverberates with a gamut of emotions. Greed, love, lust, doubt, remorse, obsession and crazed vulnerability are all present — in abundance. “I hope listeners respond to the penetrating pulse in each of these songs. They’re an exploration of my contradictory feelings over the past two years." Roll all of those emotional tangents into a set list and you have, well, something that I hope will become a “Habit.”

The album unleashes thirteen songs, all of which are original with one exception - the gorgeous cover of The Zombie’s hit, “She’s Not There.” If you think you’ve heard the song before, think again. This version has more down-under burn than most people can handle. But it gets better. Ms. Rey will be on tour. So hang on. Or, better yet, let yourself go www.MargoRey.com.

Habit was recorded and mixed at Rusk LA by Elton Ahi, mastered by Yossi Shaked, produced and arranged by Margo Rey in collaboration with Elton Ahi and Chris Wabich.

Organica Music Group is a boutique media company with four divisions that include: music; stand-up comedy; publishing; television and film. OMG’s distributor is Universal Music Group. Michael Blakey serves as President and has worked with top artists around the world, receiving over 60 gold and platinum albums and 5 Grammy nominations.

CD Spotlight: "Dirty Dancing - The Deluxe Anniversary Edition"

Photo Credits: RCA Legacy/Miles High

Has it really been 25 years since Dirty Dancing first appeared in theaters? The film was a pop culture phenomenon, spawning several top ten hits, picking up numerous awards and, of course, becoming a box office sensation. To commemorate the 25th anniversary, RCA Legacy recently released Dirty Dancing: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition, featuring the original twelve soundtrack songs, including "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," "Hungry Eyes" and "She's Like the Wind," as well as bonus features, including six ready to frame art cards, a bumper sticker, new liner notes and collectible hardcover packaging. In addition to the aforementioned well loved hits, several classic songs, including "Stay" by Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs, "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes and one of my all-time favorite songs "In the Still of the Night" by The Five Satins, round out this memorable collection.

Patrick Swayze, who portrayed Johnny Castle, performed and co-wrote "She's Like the Wind," which became a top ten hit and showcased his many talents. In addition, the song "Hungry Eyes" revitalized the career of Eric Carmen ("All By Myself") by also becoming a top ten hit. Of course, the most popular song from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack was "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" by Righteous Brother Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. The song shot to the top of the charts and earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The soundtrack spent an amazing 18 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart and, to date, has sold more than 40 million copies.

The accompanying booklet includes behind-the-scenes liner notes written by the song producers, starting with Jimmy Ienner. The stellar producers themselves then offer their own thoughts, including:
• Eric Carmen, singer and producer of "Hungry Eyes"
• Leon Medica, producer of "Where Are You Tonight?" (sung by Tom Johnston)
• Alfie Zappacosta, singer and producer of "Overload"
• Michael Lloyd, producer of "She’s Like the Wind" (written and performed by Patrick Swayze), "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, and "Yes" by Merry Clayton

Track Listing for the DIRTY DANCING: THE DELUXE ANNIVERSARY EDITION

1. (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life / Love Theme performed by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
2. Be My Baby / The Ronettes
3. She's Like The Wind / Patrick Swayze (featuring Wendy Fraser)
4. Hungry Eyes / Eric Carmen
5. Stay / Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs
6. Yes / Merry Clayton
7. You Don’t Own Me / The Blow Monkeys
8. Hey Baby / Bruce Channel
9. Overload / Zappacosta
10. Love Is Strange / Mickey & Sylvia
11. Where Are You Tonight? / Tom Johnston
12. In The Still Of The Night / The Five Satins

Emerging Artist Irina Releases "Something About You" Remix EP

Photo credit and information courtesy of Miles High Productions

Emerging dance pop star Irina is prepared to make her mark on the music industry with the release of her Something About You Remix EP, available now on iTunes. Irina is an amazing vocalist and ready to show the world what she is made of with her release of her unforgettable single and music video for “Something About You." The Something About You Remix EP feature a collection of remixes from some of the industry’s most notable DJ’s. Check out her new EP available on iTunes now.

Thanks to Irina’s tightly honed chops and razor-sharp pop instincts, her music emerges as a dance-music powerhouse packed with tracks that lift the listener to a more blissed-out dimension. Deftly embodying the album’s seductive spirit, the lead single “Something About You” pair throbbing beats with brain-bending synth that’s both hypnotic and irresistibly dizzying. With her taut and sensually charged vocals, she reveals both a dreamy pop sensibility and a dance icon worthy command of vocal texture and rhythm, “I want everyone to turn it up as loud as possible when they are driving down the freeway and just feel that amazing positive energy” says Irina.

Irina’s single “Something about You” is currently being played on the radio and clubs around the world. The “Something About You” Remix collection includes mixes by Eddie Amador, Bimbo Jones, Bill Hamel and more.

For the video premiere, Irina teamed up with the infamous choreographer Mickey Minden (Pussycat Dolls) and enlisted renowned director Dustin Robertson whose credits include Madonna, Mariah Carey, J-Lo and Lady Gaga, just to name a few. With the best in the industry at her side, Irina is ready to show the world what she was meant to do.

Irina tells fans that “Something About You,” is about “someone that is searching for something extraordinary, wild and unbelievable, for someone who can give you an instant shot of adrenaline... someone who can drag you into the crazy adventure of immediate love.”

Heart Delivers Their Signature Rockers and Ballads on "Fanatic"

Photo credits: Sony Legacy/Miles High

Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson made a fresh start with Heart two years ago with the release of Red Velvet Car and while they are moving forward, they clearly have not forgotten their roots. The band's latest release, Fanatic (Legacy), sounds fresh and contemporary, but long time fans will notice an appreciation for Heart's early releases from the 1970's. For instance, the titular song is all about keeping your love alive in an increasingly pessimistic world and a similar theme can be found on selections from the 1977 release Little Queen. In addition, revisiting the past is the subject of the ballad "Rock Deep (Vancouver)," which delves into the inspiration for "Dreamboat Annie," the title song from Heart's debut album, in 1976. The song is beautifully written and Ann's vocals are as pure as ever.

Speaking of which, how does Heart seem to defy the passage of time? The Wilson sisters are still touring regularly, they are creating interesting original material and Ann's amazing vocals still have the power to send chills up my spine. Their originality is expressed on "Mashallah!," a rocking effort with supernatural overtones (Mashallah can be interpreted as God's will) that is also part love song. The aforementioned title song is another key rock track, while "Skin and Bones" and "Corduroy Road" are more blues based, and the ballads "Pennsylvania" and "Walkin' Good" are pop and folk efforts, respectively, that help to even out the mood. Nancy Wilson assumes lead vocals on "Walkin' Good," with guest Sarah McLachlan, which speaks of overcoming the past and finding the strength to move on. Nancy's positive attitude is admirable and she always sings like she means exactly what the songs are trying to convey. Another key track is the somber "Dear Old America," which Ann and Nancy wrote for their father, a former veteran. The song details the often difficult experiences of a soldier returning home from war.

The most startling aspect of Fanatic are the eclectic musical trappings. Indeed, a variety of instruments and sounds ensure that no two songs are similar, which is refreshing, not to mention rare, and expresses the continuing creativity of the band. In addition to Nancy's always phenomenal guitar work, the band utilizes the banjo, viola and violin on various tracks. Producer Ben Mink, who is also credited as a co-writer on all ten tracks, has helped Heart create one of their most original efforts to date and also plays various instruments, including guitar, on every track. Overall, Fanatic does not hit a single false note and is an appropriate title that the band's long time fans can relate to and that new listeners may be calling themselves once they have listened to Heart's latest effort. Finally, Heart has been around for 35 plus years (I have been a devoted fan for 25 years) and I am constantly amazed at how the group evolves and continues to cement their legacy as one of the best, albeit underrated, bands of all time.

Artist Spotlight: Jason Castro's "Starting Line" EP

Former "American Idol" contestant Jason Castro recently released "Starting Line," a five song EP, in anticipation of his second full length album, "Only A Mountain," early next year. The five selections focus on the themes of faith, love and relationships and possess a mostly positive vibe. The titular song speaks of taking a fresh look around at the people in your life because someone special may be waiting for you. The selection also talks about starting over and moving beyond the past. A troubled relationship is at the center of "If It's Love," as Castro relates that love is worth fighting for and should not be allowed to die because of pride or being stubborn. Sometimes both people need to compromise in order to work things out. The subject of love is, not surprisingly, also addressed on "Good Love," an upbeat, feel good song about a strong relationship.

Jason Castro's faith is exhibited on "Only A Mountain" and "I Believe." The former speaks of remaining positive during tough times and moving past problems or potential obstacles with the help of faith and a higher power. The latter addresses a guiding force that helps you through the tough times, as long as you keep the faith. Of the five songs featured here, "If It's Love" is the best selection, both musically and lyrically. Overall, Castro's enthusiasm convinced me that he believes in the subjects that he is singing about, which made listening to the five tracks even more enjoyable. On a personal note, I remember watching Jason Castro on "American Idol" and being impressed with his performances, especially his cover of Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah," which was original performed by Leonard Cohen.

"Starting Line" is now available at all online retailers.

For additional information about Jason Castro, go here.